Classes & Workshops

The Autumn term starts on 24 & 25 September 2008. Classes must be pre-booked and pre-paid. Contact Anita on 07879 625850 or via email for booking details.

MONDAYS in the evening (Monthly)
Details and dates to be published soon.


WEDNESDAYS in the evening (Weekly)
18:15 - 19:15 (Beginners I)
19:30 - 20:30 (Beginners II/Intermediates)
at Tring Arts Evenings, Tring School, Tring, HP23 5JD


THURSDAYS in the morning (Weekly)
09:30 – 11:00 (General/Intermediates)
at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AP


THURSDAYS in the evening (Monthly)
19:00 – 21:00 (General/Intermediates)
at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AP

2 October 2008
6 November 2008
5 February 2009
5 March 2009
7 May 2009
11 June 2009

Workshops and Short Courses

Dacorum Extended Schools Programme
Dates not yet available


What to Expect

After a warm-up of Yoga, Pilates and Alexander technique inspired postures and movements, the dance is taught in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Using a mixture of choreography and improvisation, you can delight in your own expression of this ancient and contemporary art form.

My approach to dance is progressive but rooted in the inspirational traditional dances and music of Egypt. Students are encouraged to take their inspiration from Egyptian rhythms and music, harness it and direct energy into a creative and fresh dance experience. The dance is at its best when the dancer places a strong emphasis on good grounded posture, strength, passion and respectful and exciting interpretation of the music - a tall order but a wonderful challenge.

What to Wear

Wear a long full skirt, straight dress or loose trousers, a comfortable top with sleeves and a scarf to wrap around your hips. We dance barefoot or in soft shoes.

Caution

Dances from the Middle East and North Africa are taught worldwide and the diversity of styles reflects the long and fascinating social and political history of the region. It is important, in my view, to explore the full range of the dance e.g. folk styles of the different regions, classical styles developed later and appreciate the differences.

You will be disappointed if you are looking for too narrow an interpretation of the dance and want to learn only the modern (Hollywood) oriental cabaret-style.

2008 Workshops

2-24 June: 4-Week course at Greenway School, Berkhamsted, Herts

28 May 2008 Shaabi Stick Workshop in Berkhamsted, Herts

15 March 2008 Nubian Choreography Workshop in Broadmayne, Dorset.

14 February 2008 Sha'abi workshop at the Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted, Herts.

2007 Workshops

1 September 2007. Baladi workshop at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted.

21 July 2007. Intro to Raqs Sharqi workshop at The Festival of Song, Drum and Dance, Old Welwyn

18 June 2007. Sha'abi workshop at the Mentmore Golf and Country Club, Mentmore

18 April 2007
Sha'abi workshop for the Arts Evening at The Tring Learning Centre, Tring

12 April 2007
Classical Flow Workshop at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted

2006 Workshops

7 December 2006
An introduction to the lyrical and refined CLASSICAL veil dance of the Ottoman courts

3 November 2006
Introduction to the rich textures of BALADI, the urban folk dance developed in the early 19th Century at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted

11 October 2006
An introduction to Egyptian Dance at the Tring Learning Centre, Tring

5 October 2006
An introduction to the earthiness and exuberance of SHA'ABI, the folk dance of Upper Egypt at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted